Hello again! You may have noticed something odd about the newsletter that we just sent – our graphics team accidentally used a header photo of a Barred Owl instead of a Northern Spotted Owl. This updated image features the Northern Spotted Owl, a species that we work to monitor and protect in the park.
We want to take this time to appreciate our Spotted Owl researchers. They recently finished a two-year autonomous recording unit project to monitor the presence of the larger, more aggressive Barred Owls that often displace Spotted Owls.
We also want to use this mistake as a learning opportunity for us all.
Can you spot the difference between a Spotted Owl and a Barred Owl?
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Northern Spotted Owl
This fluffy, hefty-looking brown owl, earns its name from the white spots that cover its head, back, and breast.
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Barred Owl
This owl is larger than Spotted Owls, and can be distinguished by the vertical streaks on its belly (rather than spots).
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September 27, 2022
Greetings!
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Have you ever seen a scientist working in a National Park and thought, wow, what a cool job? Field researchers get to surround themselves with beautiful plants, animals, and views, what more could you ask for? |
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While the work is rewarding, at times, it's also challenging. Data sets aren't always easy to collect and results don’t happen overnight. Field staff often have to trek through remote wilderness areas to gather data and observe wildlife. Northern spotted owl researchers hike steep ravines through poison oak and prime tick habitat to locate breeding pairs. Likewise, Elephant seal biologists perch on top of bluffs while being pelted with cold foggy winds. Your support helps fund numerous conservation programs and dedicated staff out in the field. Please join us in making a gift for this year's Fund-A-Need which will be split between conservation and education.
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Data Tells an Encouraging Story in 2022
This year, field researchers reported encouraging news. The fisheries team recorded adult coho returning to Pine Gulch Creek for the second consecutive winter after being absent for a decade. The team is also expecting one of the highest juvenile counts for Olema Creek since monitoring began in 2009.
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Western Snowy Plover researchers recorded 28 total fledglings and a 62.2% chick survival rate, the highest number of fledged chicks since the 25 recorded in 1997. They found 34 total nests, 22 hatched, the highest nest hatch rate since 2015.
Northern Spotted Owl researchers recorded 29 nesting pairs at 46 sites surveyed across Point Reyes National Seashore and Golden Gate National Recreation Area. These nests produced a total of 32 young!
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These species tell a story. They indicate the health of the greater ecosystem and provide managers with data to make informed decisions about natural resources. Thanks to long-term inventory and monitoring programs over the past few decades, we have data to compare what’s happening today to what happened in the past. |
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Mapping A Park For All Fund
I'm looking forward to seeing many of you next week at our sold out Party on the Pacific Plate! This year our event focuses on mapping a park for all—wildlife and people included—and we have a goal to raise an additional $100,000 by the end of October specifically to support our wildlife and youth programs. The work is never over, and we invite everyone to help us reach this important goal. We’re appreciative of our staff, volunteers, members, and donors, and know that we can count on you to work with us to enhance, and preserve the Seashore for present and future generations.
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Sam Chiriboga
Associate Director
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The Fisheries Crew works year-round to monitor coho and steelhead salmon populations in the watersheds of Point Reyes National Seashore and Golden Gate National Recreation Area. This year, the crew was joined by two amazing seasonal hires, Natale Urquhart and Tara Blake.
Dive into our latest Voices at the Seashore article, Hooked on Fisheries, to hear from Tara and Natale about the importance of long-term monitoring programs, communicating research findings to the public, and including diverse voices in science. Click HERE to read the article!
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Why Support Seashore Conservation? |
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Last year, thanks to the support of many of our members and friends, we raised just over $66,000 to complete the expansion of the Tomales Bay Marine Station. The renovation included the construction of two bunkhouses and a wet laboratory. Here, we're highlighting two of our dedicated supporters, Ron and Amanda Mallory, who helped us cross the finish line. "We see the opportunities PRNSA and the NPS are making in the areas of access, education, and research as making differences that will last and matter locally and globally." Read the full conversation with the Mallorys on our website!
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Hog Island Oyster Co. Spotlight |
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Our local Party on the Pacific Plate reception partners care deeply about the health and perseverance of our National Seashore. Among them is Hog Island Oyster Co, who began oyster farming at Tomales Bay in 1983. The team at Hog Island believe in sustainable oyster farming and practices that help preserve all that Point Reyes National Seashore has to offer.
From climate change to ocean acidification to native oyster restoration, Hog Island is working with leading scientists and researchers to take conservation action. We are proud to partner with an organization that prioritizes sustainable practices and supports the future of our local coastlines and communities. Learn more on the Hog Island website.
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We partner with the National Park Service to create opportunities for all people to experience, enhance, and preserve Point Reyes National Seashore for present and future generations. |
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Point Reyes National Seashore | (415) 663-1200 x 310
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